Make Learning a New Language Your New Year’s Resolution

It’s the start of a new year, which makes it the perfect time to step out of your comfort zone and try something. If you have ever wanted to learn a new language, now is a perfect time! Start the new year by strengthening your brain and becoming fluent in another language. Who knows? Maybe by 2020, you will even become a polyglot (a person who knows and is able to use several languages).

It’s Okay If You are A Late Starter

It can be easy to push your dream of becoming a polyglot aside out of fear, but there is no reason to be afraid. In fact, it has been proven that it is never too late to learn a new language. While language learning is easier at some ages than others, it is never impossible. For instance, a recent study in Israel as described by BBC found, “adults were better at grasping an artificial language rule [… and] the late starters acquired the new language faster than the younger starters.”

Additionally, if you have grown up in America, you most likely have not been exposed to foreign languages at the same degree that those in other countries have been. According to Pew Research, “Throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia, 20% of K-12 students are enrolled in foreign language classes” compared to “a median of 92% of European students are learning a language in school.”

What does this all mean to you? Whether you have not learned another language because of your age or because of where you grew up, it is still possible to learn a new language. Plus, it is a wise decision! Learning a foreign language is a great way to ensure success.

Learning a New Language Will Improve Your Life in Many Ways

The decision to study a new language will improve your life. The challenge of learning a new language in 2019 will be well worth the effort. Let’s look at just a few of the ways language learning makes lives better.

More School and Career Opportunities– One of the most obvious ways of learning a language will better one’s life is through school and career opportunities. If you want to attend school in a foreign country, it is critical that you have a knowledge base for the language that is spoken. You simply can’t expect to be accepted and to attend a university where classes are taught in a language you do not understand. Furthermore, there is clear evidence that speaking multiple languages will benefit you in the workplace. Those who speak multiple languages are more hirable and end up having more successful careers.

Better Travel Experiences– Imagine traveling to new places where you can speak to the locals. Instead of having to rely on tour guides or translators, you can speak to the locals yourself. You can avoid scams and have more original travel experiences as locals can tell you where to go to avoid tourist traps.

Improves Your Memory– Studies have shown that learning a new language can improve your memory. In fact, one study presented by the American Academy of Neurology found a connection between language learning and dementia. Also, the study suggested the Alzheimer’s diagnosis occurred later in the life of individuals who spoke more than one language.

Leads to New Friendships– When you learn a new language, you are suddenly able to converse and build friendships with people you were unable to before. Now, you can speak to new people and learn about new cultures. Language learning helps you cross-cultural and language barriers to form unique friendships.

Gain More Understanding of the World and Other Cultures– Ask anyone who studies a foreign language and you will discover there is much more to learning a language than vocabulary and grammar. When you take language classes, you will also learn about the culture. As you learn other languages, you learn about the world around you. And, you can communicate ideas across the globe.

Next Decision: Which Language Should You Learn in 2019?

Now that we’ve established the fact that language learning will make your life better, you need to decide which language(s) you want to learn. Ultimately, this is a personal decision, but we can point you in some general directions.

English– English is the most common second language in the world making it a language that is spoken widely. Plus, it is the official language of multiple countries.

Spanish– According to The British Council, “Spanish is the second most widely spoken first language in the world with approximately 437 million native speakers.” Additionally, it is the number one language for business and travel.

French– French is growing steadily in other areas outside of France, such as Africa.

German– German is becoming more and more popular for individuals to learn as a second language. This is largely due to Germany having the largest economy in the European Union.

Mandarin– With China continuing to rise economically, speaking Mandarin as a second language makes you a hot commodity in the job market.

Portuguese– For those with their sights set on Latin America, Portuguese is the way to go as it is the most popular language in this area.

Hindi– The population of India and the number of jobs that are being outsourced to India make learning Hindi a wise choice.

How to Make Your New Year’s Resolution Come True

Now, let’s talk about how to make it happen. How can your language learning new year’s resolution come true? The most effective way to learn a language is to study abroad and immerse yourself in it. For example, students who attend language schools in Washington DC will be surrounded by people speaking English in addition to taking English courses in Washington DC.

Plus, they have the added benefit of attending the premiere Washington language school, inlingua, which also boasts an English test center. Even better, inlingua excels at not only teaching English but teaching multiple foreign languages. Whether you take an English class in DC or choose to study a different foreign language at inlingua, you will leave with more language fluency than you had before.